MARJORIE PRIME, THE COCKTAIL HOUR & More Set for North Coast Repertory Theatre's 35th Season

North Coast Repertory Theatre will present its 35th Season. North Coast Repertory Theatre, a non-profit organization, has evolved into one of the area's leading performing arts organizations, recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to excellence. In a single night, you can be transported to a different place and transformed by the experience. North Coast Repertory's 35th Season line-up includes a delightful array of comedy, family drama, a heartfelt musical and a magical journey.

David Ellenstein, Artistic Director of the intimate Solana Beach theatre, selected plays for Season 35 that celebrate the joy, pathos and resiliency of the human spirit. "We chose plays that we believe not only reflect the tastes of our loyal subscribers, but will also appeal to a wide spectrum of theatre lovers throughout the county,"

The season opens September 7, 2016 with A.R. Gurney's THE COCKTAIL HOUR. Mix two upper-class New Englanders, their over-privileged adult children and endless cocktails for a delightfully intoxicating evening of comedy. John arrives for dinner at his parents' home carrying his provocative script in hand that leaves the family "shaken and stirred". Hysterically funny and heartbreakingly poignant, THE COCKTAIL HOUR is an entertaining family reunion "on the rocks". Join us for this free-flowing comedy that The New Yorker praised as Gurney's "best play he has done". Rosina Reynolds directs this entertaining comedy which plays through October 2, 2016.

On October 19, 2016, from the gifted pen of America's favorite playwright, Neil Simon, comes one of his funniest plays, LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, a love letter to his early career as a writer for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows". Simon recounts his writing, fighting and wacky antics during days of live television when he cavorted with such comedy legends as Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. As you clutch your sides in laughter at their wildly witty attempts to please their terrifyingly demanding boss, you'll see why The New York Times hailed LAUGHTER as "one of Simon's best, most enduring and endearing plays." The play runs till November 13, 2016 directed by Geoffrey Sherman.

Fresh from triumphant runs in Los Angeles and New York, comes this fascinating, skillfully wrought family drama that dazzled critics and audiences alike. A finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize, MARJORIE PRIME by Jordan Harrison is set in the near future, a time when artificial intelligence has reached new heights, and lifelike robots provide companionship for the lonely. This smart, thought-provoking play about memory is guaranteed to inspire stimulating conversations long after you leave the theatre. A San Diego premiere, Directed by Matthew Wiener from January 11 to February 5, 2017.

From February 22 to March 19, 2017, David Ellenstein directs THE ILLUSION by legendary playwright Tony Kushner, freely adapted from Pierre Corneille's L'Illusion Comique. Kushner displays his brilliance in this wildly inventive tour de force, which celebrates the magic and illusory nature of theatre. Using crackling, contemporary language and sheer artistry, Kushner creates his most joyfully theatrical play, a wildly entertaining tale of passion, regret, love and magic. THE ILLUSION transports you on a wondrous journey filled with laughter and a few tears along the way.

TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT by Graham Greene - Adapted by Giles Havergal directed by David Ellenstein from April 12 to May 7, 2017. A New York Times Critic's Pick in 2015,TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT is an engaging, always entertaining journey. Eccentric Aunt Augusta swoops in and shakes up the life of her staid bourgeois nephew. She ignites the lust for adventure that is buried within his gray flannel soul. Four highly versatile actors tackle more than 20 roles in this life-changing, offbeat odyssey. This is definitely a trip worth taking!

On May 31, 2017, North Coast Rep presents THE SPITFIRE GRILL, Book & Music by James Valcq, Lyrics & Book by Fred Alley. Based on a film by Lee David Zlotoff and directed by Jeffrey Moss. Honest and emotional, this heartfelt musical tells the engaging tale of a young woman with an uncertain past. A compelling heartwarming tale of redemption and fortitude. Filled with inspirational melodies, and an emotionally soaring score, this all-American musical serves up an abundance of warmth, spirit and goodwill. Open your heart and visit THE SPITFIRE GRILL. The musical runs to June 25, 2017.

Season 35 concludes with the San Diego premiere of AT THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE by Nagle Jackson, playing from July 12 to August 6, 2017, directed by Andrew Barnicle. An uproarious comedy about a bohemian theatre troupe who find themselves performing in an Eastern European police state. However, there is more drama backstage than onstage, with romantic entanglements, political intrigue and a wildly funny climax. It's a laugh a minute, and you'll leave the theatre reveling in the merriment.

Our Holiday show will be the return engagement of THE GIRL SINGERS OF THE HIT PARADE with their HOLIDAY SHOW from December 6 to December 23, 2016. The Girl Singers bring to life popular holiday songs of the 50's including "Santa Baby" made famous by Eartha Kitt, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, as well as favorites to sing-a-long to like "Winter Wonderland" "Silver Bells" and others in the stylings of The Andrews Sisters, Lennon Sisters and McGuire Sisters. "The Girls" will also be celebrating the music of Hanukah. For those young at heart or just young, there's a "Frozen" Medley. Join us for an unforgettable evening of great music, sing-a-longs, nostalgia and laughs. A wonderful holiday musical for the entire family! Featuring Jennifer Grimm, Colleen Raye and Sophie Grimm.

North Coast Repertory Theatre is a professional Equity theatre founded in 1982 by Olive and Tom Blakistone. The Solana Beach theatre has received critical acclaim from media and audiences alike, and has evolved into one of the area's leading performing arts organizations. North Coast Rep prides itself on employing the majority of its actors from Actors' Equity Association for its high quality, award-winning productions, and staging works by established and emerging playwrights. Throughout its history, North Coast Rep has created a platform where artist and audience thrive through the intimacy of live theatre, recognizing the power of theatre to challenge complacency, revitalize the imagination, nurture the unexpected and embrace the variety and diversity in our lives.